Principality Premiership round up

2 September 2006 20:42

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Gareth McCarthy kicked an injury-time penalty to condemn Welsh Premiership champions Neath to a shock defeat on the opening day of their title defence...

Glamorgan Wanderers fly-half McCarthy helped himself to 28 points, including two of his team's three tries, to rock Rowland Phillips' All Blacks to the core.
The Wanderers led 20-14 at half-time and the scores were level at 30-30 at the end of normal time. But a last gasp penalty gave ex-Cardiff Blue McCarthy the chance to clinch a famous victory and the confident No10 hit the mark with his money shot to win 33-30.
It was a day of shocks all round as thew top three teams from last season were all sunk.
Bridgend were toppled at home by Ebbw Vale, 16-7, while cup holders Pontypridd were smashed at Sardis Road, 33-13, by Llandovery.
Scrum-half Bryan Shelbourne was Ebbw Vale's hero with 11 points at the Brewery Field, while Llandovery out-scored Ponty four tries to one.
There were two other spectacular away wins. Aberavon won at Rodney Parade for the first time in 22 years, 19-6, while Swansea were 36-30 victors at Cardiff Arms Park.
Wizards outside-half Jamie Davies booted 14 points to steer his side to a first ever league win at Newport - his fourth penalty in the 75th minute winning the game - while All Whites' Stuart Thomas went one better against Cardiff with five penalties in a 17-point haul.
Maesteg pushed Llanelli all the way at Stradey Park before going down 17-16. The home side out-scored the visitors three tries to one but Maesteg outside-half Luke Richards scuffed a chance to win the game when his 83rd-minute penalty drifted wide.
The all-Gwent derby saw Bedwas beat Cross Keys 18-3 thanks to four penalties from centre Phil Dolman.

Wales reached their first semi-final since 2013 in the opening round of this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie recaps on what proved to be an eventful tournament

Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series